The Combination of Baicalin with Knockdown of mir148a Gene Suppresses Cell Viability and Proliferation and Induces the Apoptosis and Autophagy of Human Glioblastoma Multiforme T98G and U87MG Cells

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a heterogeneous and highly vascularized brain tumor that avoids apoptosis due to P-glycoprotein (P-gp) mediated multidrug resistance. Therefore, the development of new therapeutic strategies that induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation is urgently warranted.

OBJECTIVES

We examined the efficacy of the combination of baicalin (BAI) and knockdown of miR-148a gene in human glioblastoma T98G and U87MG cell lines.

METHODS

T98G and U87MG cells were transfected with miR148a siRNA. The influence of miR- 148a siRNA in combination with BAI on T98G and U87MG cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy was evaluated as well. Alterations in the mRNA expression of autophagy-related genes were analyzed using RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

The transfection of T98G and U87MG cells with miR148a specific siRNA and exposition on baicalin led to a significant reduction in cell viability and proliferation, the accumulation of sub G1-phase cells and a reduced population of cells in the S and G2/M phases (only in U87MG cell line), increased population of cells in the S phase in T98G cell line and apoptosis or necrosis induction and induction of autophagy for both cell lines.

CONCLUSION

The siRNA-induced miR-148a mRNA knockdown in combination with baicalin may offer a novel therapeutic strategy to more effectively control the growth of human GBM cells. Thus, knockdown of this gene in combination with baicalin inhibits proliferation (cell cycle arrest in the S phase in T98G but not in U87MG cells), induces apoptosis, and regulates autophagy in T98G and U87MG cells. However, further studies are urgently needed to confirm a positive phenomenon for the treatment of GBM.

Escitalopram alters the hypothalamic OX system but does not affect its up-regulation induced by early-life stress in adult rats

We hypothesized that there is a relationship between the orexinergic system (OX) alterations and changes elicited by escitalopram or venlafaxine in adult rats subjected to maternal separation (MS). This animal model of childhood adversity induces long-lasting consequences in adult physiology and behavior. Male Wistar rats from the control and MS groups were injected with escitalopram or venlafaxine (10 mg/kg) IP from postnatal day (PND) 69-89. Adult rats were subjected to behavioral assessment, estimation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity and analysis of the OX system (quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry) in the hypothalamus and amygdala. MS caused anxiety- and depressive-like behavior, endocrine stress-related response, and up-regulation of the OX system in the hypothalamus. Escitalopram, but not venlafaxine, increased the activity of hypothalamic OX system in the control rats and both drugs had no effect on OXs in the MS group. The disturbed signaling of the OX pathway may be significant for harmful long-term consequences of early-life stress. Our data show that the normal brain and brain altered by MS respond differently to escitalopram. Presumably, anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects of this drug do not depend on the activity of hypothalamic OX system.

Dermatan Sulfate Affects Breast Cancer Cell Function via the Induction of Necroptosis

Dermatan sulfate (DS) is widespread in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of animal tissues. This glycosaminoglycan is characterized by a variable structure, which is reflected in the heterogeneity of its sulfation pattern. The sulfate groups are responsible for the binding properties of DS, which determine an interaction profile of this glycan. However, the detailed role of DS in biological processes such as the neoplasm is still poorly understood. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of the structural variants of DS on breast cancer cells. We found that DS isoforms from normal and fibrotic fascia as well as from intestinal mucosa were able to quickly induce oxidative stress in the cytoplasm and affect the mitochondrial function in luminal breast cancer cells. Moreover, the variants caused the necroptosis of the cells most likely via the first of these mechanisms. This death was responsible for a reduction in the viability and number of breast cancer cells. However, the dynamics and intensity of all of the DS variants-triggered effects were strongly dependent on the cell type and the structure of these molecules. The most pronounced activity was demonstrated by those variants that shared structural features with the DS from the tumor niche.

Chronic treatment with escitalopram and venlafaxine affects the neuropeptide S pathway differently in adult Wistar rats exposed to maternal separation

<abstract> <p>Neuropeptide S (NPS), which is a peptide that is involved in the regulation of the stress response, seems to be relevant to the mechanism of action of antidepressants that have anxiolytic properties. However, to date, there have been no reports regarding the effect of long-term treatment with escitalopram or venlafaxine on the NPS system under stress conditions.</p> <p>This study aimed to investigate the effects of the above-mentioned antidepressants on the NPS system in adult male Wistar rats that were exposed to neonatal maternal separation (MS).</p> <p>Animals were exposed to MS for 360 min. on postnatal days (PNDs) 2–15. MS causes long-lasting behavioral, endocrine and neurochemical consequences that mimic anxiety- and depression-related features. MS and non-stressed rats were given escitalopram or venlafaxine (10mg/kg) IP from PND 69 to 89. The NPS system was analyzed in the brainstem, hypothalamus, amygdala and anterior olfactory nucleus using quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemical methods.</p> <p>The NPS system was vulnerable to MS in the brainstem and amygdala. In the brainstem, escitalopram down-regulated NPS and NPS mRNA in the MS rats and induced a tendency to reduce the number of NPS-positive cells in the peri-locus coeruleus. In the MS rats, venlafaxine insignificantly decreased the NPSR mRNA levels in the amygdala and a number of NPSR cells in the basolateral amygdala, and increased the NPS mRNA levels in the hypothalamus.</p> <p>Our data show that the studied antidepressants affect the NPS system differently and preliminarily suggest that the NPS system might partially mediate the pharmacological effects that are induced by these drugs.</p> </abstract>

Variances in the Expression Profile of the EMT-Related Genes in Endometrial Cancer Lines In Vitro Study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the variances in the expression pattern of mRNAs and miRNAs related to the EMT in the Ishikawa (histological grade 1; G1), EC-1A (histological grade 2; G2), and KLE (histological grade 3; G3) cell cultures under cisplatin treatment.

METHODS

Endometrial cancer cell lines were exposed to 75.22 mg (an average concentration of the drug used in patients with endometrial cancer) for 12.24 and 48 hours compared to the untreated cells (control). The molecular analysis included extraction of total RNA, microarray analysis (mRNA and miRNA), RTqPCR, and the ELISA assay.

RESULTS

Out of 226 mRNAs associated with the EMT, the number of mRNAs differentially expressed in endometrial cancer cell cultures treated with cisplatin compared to a control culture was as follows: Ishikawa line - 87 mRNAs; EC-1A - 84 mRNAs; KLE - 71 mRNAs (p<0.05). The greatest changes in the Ishikawa line treated with the drug compared to the control were noticed for mRNA STAT1 TGFβ1, SMAD3, FOXO8, whereas in EC-1A, they were mRNA TGFβ1, BAMBI, SMAD4, and in KLE mRNA COL1A1, FOXO8, TGFβ1. The analysis also showed that miR-106a, miR-30d, miR-300 are common for all cell lines used in this experiment.

CONCLUSION

Cisplatin changes the expression profile of genes associated with EMT in endometrial cancer cell lines. It seems that the expression pattern of TGFβ1 might be a promising, supplementary molecular marker of the effectiveness of cisplatin therapy. The analysis showed that miR-30d, miR-300, and miR-106a are involved in the regulation of the expression of EMT-related genes.

Anti-apoptotic effect of a static magnetic field in human cells that had been treated with sodium fluoride

Static magnetic field (SMF) is widely used in industry, in consumer devices and diagnostic medical equipment, hence the widespread exposure to SMF in the natural environment and in people occupationally exposed to it. In environment and in some workplaces, there is a risk of exposure also to various chemicals. Environmental factors can affect the cellular processes which can be the cause of the development of various pathological conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of SMF on the expression of the apoptosis-related genes in human fibroblast cultures that had been co-treated with fluoride ions. The control and NaF-treated cells were subjected to the influence of SMF with a moderate induction. The flow-cytometric analysis showed that the fluoride ions reduced the number of viable cells and induced early apoptosis. However, exposure to the SMF reduced the number of dead cells that had been treated with fluoride ions. Moreover, specific genes that were involved in apoptosis exhibited a differential expression in the NaF-treated cells and exposure to the SMF yielded a modulation of their transcriptional activity. Our results suggest some beneficial properties of using a moderate-intensity static magnetic field to reduce the adverse effects of fluoride.

Designing Biodegradable Wafers Based on Poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) and Poly(glycolide-co-ε-caprolactone) for the Prolonged and Local Release of Idarubicin for the Therapy of Glioblastoma Multiforme

PURPOSE

The blood-brain barrier limits the application of idarubicin in the therapy of glioblastoma multiforme. Biodegradable, intracranial wafers with prolonged release may increase therapy efficiency.

METHODS

Blank wafers, wafers containing 5% w/w and 10% w/w of idarubicin were formulated by solution casting from poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) and poly(glycolide-co-ε-caprolactone). The following methods were used: NMR, GPC, DSC, FTIR, AFM, UV-VIS, and a viability and proliferation assay for idarubicin action (U87MG cell line).

RESULTS

Wafers showed a surface with numerous immersions and hills. A lack of interactions between idarubicin and the copolymers was observed. The substance was entrapped in the matrix and released in two phases for all wafers with the appropriate bolus and maintenance dose. The burst effect was observed for all wafers, however, the biggest bolus for poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) wafers containing 5% w/w of idarubicin was noted. The stable and steady degradation of poly(glycolide-co-ε-caprolactone) wafers containing 5% w/w of idarubicin ensures the most optimal release profile and high inhibition of proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

Copolymer wafers with idarubicin are an interesting proposition with great potential for the local treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. The release rate and dose may be regulated by the amount and kind of wafers for various effects.

Evaluation of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells after lentiviral transduction and differentiation

Quantitative real time reverse transcription PCR, qRT-PCR, is one of the most important techniques for assessing the level of gene expression. Selecting the correct reference gene to normalize the results is a key step in this method. Inaccurate data can be generated if the correct reference gene is not selected. The level of the expression of reference genes is tissue-variable, and in the case of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), it can be different depending on the source of their origin. The aim of this study was to select the reference gene for Wharton's Jelly-derived MSC (WJ- MSC) that were undergoing transduction and differentiation. In this work, the expression of 32 genes was analyzed, of which two (RPS17 and 18S rRNA), which had the most stable expression level, were selected. A comparative analysis of the expression stability of the selected genes was then performed with the genes that are most commonly used in the literature, i.e. β-actin and GAPDH. Next, it was determined that a false picture of the expression level of the studied genes can be obtained when a reference gene with variable expression level is used for normalization. RPS17 and 18S rRNA proved to be the most stable reference genes for the WJ-MSC that had been subjected to the lentiviral transfection procedure followed by differentiation. The expression of β-actin and GAPDH was highly unstable and therefore these genes are not suitable for use as reference genes in studies involving WJ- MSC.

Association of HSPA1B Polymorphisms with Paranoid Schizophrenia in a Polish Population

This study aimed to find the potential association between HSPA1B polymorphisms and risk of paranoid schizophrenia, clinical variables of the disease, and suicidal behavior. A total of 901 unrelated Polish subjects of Caucasian origin (377 schizophrenia patients and 524 controls) were recruited. Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were genotyped using PCR–RFLP (rs539689, rs9281590) and TaqMan assays (rs263979, rs6547452). A strong tendency towards statistical significance (p = 0.051) was observed in rs539689 allele distribution between patients and controls in overall study subjects. After stratification according to gender, we found that rs539689 was significantly associated with schizophrenia in males, but not in females. The minor allele C had a protective effect in males [OR 0.73 (95% CI 0.61–0.88, p < 0.05)]. In addition, two SNPs (rs539689, rs9281590) were significantly associated with PANSS scores. Another important finding was a strong significant association between the HSPA1B rs539689 polymorphism and attempted suicide in schizophrenic patients. The C/C genotype and C allele were protective against suicidal behavior in entire sample (p < 0.001), in males (p < 001), and in females (p < 0.05), although associations were weaker than in males. Our findings support that HSPA1B gene may be involved in susceptibility to schizophrenia and clinical presentation of the disease in a sex-dependent manner, and may play a role in suicidal behavior in the Polish population of schizophrenic patients. Further independent analyses in different populations should be performed to clarify the role of HSPA1B in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.

Association Studies of HSPA1A and HSPA1L Gene Polymorphisms With Schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder with a strong genetic component. The HSP70 chaperones are particularly interesting in terms of schizophrenia, especially with regard to neurodevelopmental hypothesis, because they are critical regulators in normal neural physiological function as well as in cell stress responses.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed to determine whether genetic variants in the HSPA1A (rs1008438, rs562047) and HSPA1L (rs2075800) genes are associated with the risk of paranoid schizophrenia and the clinical presentation of the disease.

METHODS

A total of 1080 unrelated Polish subjects of Caucasian origin (401 schizophrenia cases and 679 healthy controls) were recruited. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were genotyped using PCR-RFLP (rs562047) or TaqMan (rs1008438, rs2075800) assays. All analyses were conducted for the full sample and within subgroups stratified by gender.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in genotype or allele distributions of all polymorphisms tested between the schizophrenia and control groups. We also failed to find any schizophrenia predisposing haplotype in the whole group. A sex-stratified analysis revealed haplotypic association with paranoid schizophrenia in men, albeit the risk effect was contributed only by a rare haplotypes. More importantly, rs562047 variant was significantly associated with PANSS total and PANSS negative scores in schizophrenia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support previously reported associations between HSPA1A and HSPA1B SNPs and schizophrenia symptomatology. Further population-based prospective studies with larger sample sizes from different ethnic groups should be performed to clarify the role of different HSP70 genes in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.

Different influence of antipsychotics on the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines depends on glia activation: An in vitro study

The microglial hypothesis of schizophrenia suggests that its neuropathology is closely associated with neuroinflammation manifested, inter alia, by an increased expression of cytokines. However, clinical investigations imply that schizophrenia is a heterogeneous disease and in some groups of patients the activated inflammatory process does not contribute to the disease-associated impairment of brain function. Clinical studies revealed also an equivocal impact of antipsychotics on peripheral and CSF cytokines, whereas experimental research performed on the stimulated glia cultures showed their inhibitory effect on pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. In the present study, the effect of chlorpromazine, haloperidol and risperidone (0.5, 5 or 10μM) on production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α and anti-inflammatory IL-10 was investigated in the unstimulated and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated primary rat mixed glial cell cultures. In the unstimulated cultures, haloperidol at all applied concentrations, risperidone at 5, 10μM and chlorpromazine at 10μM increased IL-10 levels in the culture supernatants without a significant influence on IL-1β or TNF-α levels, and all drugs applied at 10μM induced a robust increase in IL-10 mRNA expression. Under strong inflammatory activation, haloperidol and risperidone at all concentrations reduced production of both pro-inflammatory cytokines, without adverse effects on IL-10 expression when used at 10μM. Chlorpromazine at all concentrations diminished the production of three cytokines and did not induce anti-inflammatory effect. These results suggest that dependently on glia activation antipsychotics via different mechanisms may induce anti-inflammatory effect and that this activity is not common for all drugs under conditions of strong glia activation.

Alterations in VEGF expression induced by antidepressant drugs in female rats under chronic social stress

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is thought to serve a role in neurogenesis and the stress response. Although a definite link between the action of antidepressants and VEGF has not been identified, it is assumed that VEGF, as a neurotrophic factor, serves an important role in the effects of antidepressant treatment. To examine this, the present study subjected adult female rats to four weeks of social instability stress and measured the effect of antidepressant treatment on the expression of VEGF. Firstly, endocrine markers of stress and body weight were measured in parallel with behavioral tests prior to and following subjection to stress. Then, the effect of 28-day daily treatment with desipramine (DMI; 10 mg/kg), fluoxetine (5 mg/kg) or tianeptine (10 mg/kg) on the number of copies of VEGF mRNA in the amygdala, hippocampus and hypothalamus, and on serum VEGF protein levels, of rats subjected to chronic stress was determined. In addition, the weight of the adrenal glands was measured following subjection to stress. Exposure to chronic stress was found to increase the rats' sucrose preference, and diminish their tendency for general exploration and time spent in the open. The relative adrenal weights of the stressed rats were significantly increased compared with the control. Plasma concentrations of corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone were not significantly augmented. In addition, the present study identified that stress elevated VEGF mRNA expression in all studied neural structures. Furthermore, the results identified that the stress-induced increase in VEGF mRNA expression in the amygdala and hypothalamus was attenuated by long-term administration of DMI. Conversely, a decrease in serum VEGF concentration was observed in stressed rats, which was not reversed by treatment with antidepressants. In conclusion, the current study suggests that under conditions of stress, VEGF serves a role in the mechanism of action of DMI, through modulating activity of the norepinephrine system.

The influence of TSA and VPA on the in vitro differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into neuronal lineage cells: Gene expression studies

INTRODUCTION

Epigenetic mechanisms regulate the transcription of genes, which can affect the differentiation of MSCs. The aim of the current work is to determine how the histone deacetylase inhibitors TSA and VPA affect the expression of neuronal lineage genes in a culture of rat MSCs (rMSCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed the expression of early neuron marker gene (Tubb3), mature neuron markers genes (Vacht, Th, Htr2a) and the oligodendrocyte progenitor marker gene (GalC). Moreover, changes in the gene expression after three different periods of exposure to TSA and VPA were investigated for the first time.

RESULTS

After six days of exposition to TSA and VPA, the expression of Tubb3 and GalC decreased, while the expression of Th increased. The highest increase of VAChT expression was observed after three days of TSA and VPA treatment. A decrease in Htr2a gene expression was observed after TSA treatment and an increase was observed after VPA treatment. We also observed that TSA and VPA inhibited cell proliferation and the formation of neurospheres in the rMSCs culture.

DISCUSSION

The central findings of our study are that TSA and VPA affect the expression of neuronal lineage genes in an rMSCs culture. After exposure to TSA or VPA, the expression of early neuronal gene decreases but equally the expression of mature neuron genes increases. After TSA and VPA treatment ER of the oligodendrocyte progenitor marker decreased. TSA and VPA inhibit cell proliferation and the formation of neurospheres in rMSCs culture.

Knockdown of AKT3 and PI3KCA by RNA interference changes the expression of the genes that are related to apoptosis and autophagy in T98G glioblastoma multiforme cells

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant and invasive human brain tumor and it is characterized by a poor prognosis and short survival time. The PI3K/AKT/PTEN signaling pathway plays a crucial role in GBM development and it is connected with the regulation of apoptosis and autophagy. Akt is involved in various aspects of cancer cell biology such as cell survival, in addition to both apoptosis and autophagy. The current study was undertaken to examine the effect of the siRNAs that target AKT3 and PI3KCA genes on the apoptosis and autophagy of T98G cells.

METHODS

T98G cells were transfected with AKT3 and/or PI3KCA siRNAs. Alterations in the mRNA expression of apoptosis- and autophagy-related genes were analyzed using QRT-PCR. LC3IIA protein-positive cells were identified using flow cytometry with specific antibodies.

RESULTS

Our findings demonstrate for the first time that the siRNAs that target AKT3 and PI3KCA change the expression of the genes that are related to apoptosis and autophagy and change the expression of the LC3IIA protein in T98G cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, there is a high probability that the knockdown of these genes induces apoptosis and autophagy in T98G cells, but further studies are necessary in order to clarify and check whether autophagy induction is a positive phenomenon for the treatment of GBM.

Knockdown of the AKT3 (PKBγ), PI3KCA, and VEGFR2 genes by RNA interference suppresses glioblastoma multiforme T98G cells invasiveness in vitro

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain malignancy, having a very poor prognosis and is characterized by extensive brain invasion as well as resistance to the therapy. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/PTEN signaling pathway is deregulated in GBM. Besides, florid vascularization and aberrantly elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) occur very often. The present study was designed to examine the inhibitory effect of AKT3, PI3KCA, and VEGFR2 small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) on GBM cell invasiveness. T98G cells were transfected with AKT3, PI3KCA, and/or VEGFR2 siRNAs. VEGFR2 protein-positive cells were identified by flow cytometry using specific monoclonal anti-VEGFR2 antibodies. Alterations in messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of VEGF, VEGFR2, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) (MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13, MMP-14), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) (TIMP-1, TIMP-3), c-Fos, c-Jun, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), ObRa, and cathepsin D genes were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Cells treated with specific siRNA were also analyzed for invasion using the Matrigel invasion assay. We have found significantly lower mRNA levels of MMPs, cathepsin D, VEGF, VEGFR2, HIF-1α, and c-Fos/c-Jun ratio, as well as significantly higher mRNA level of TIMPs in AKT3 and PI3KCA siRNA transfected cells compared to untransfected cells, while significantly lower mRNA levels of MMPs (MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-14) and TIMP-1, as well as significantly higher mRNA level of TIMP-3, were shown only in cells transfected with VEGFR2 siRNA. The positive correlation between MMP-13 and ObRa mRNA copy number has been found. Summarizing, transfection of T98G cells with AKT3, PI3KCA, or VEGFR2 siRNAs leads to a significant reduction in cell invasiveness. The siRNA-induced AKT3, PI3KCA, and VEGFR2 mRNA knockdown may offer a novel therapeutic strategy to reduce the invasiveness of GBM cells.

Heat shock protein 70 gene polymorphisms are associated with paranoid schizophrenia in the Polish population

HSP70 genes have been considered as promising schizophrenia candidate genes based on their protective role in the central nervous system under stress conditions. In this study, we analyzed the potential implication of HSPA1A +190G/C, HSPA1B +1267A/G, and HSPA1L +2437T/C polymorphisms in the susceptibility to paranoid schizophrenia in a homogenous Caucasian Polish population. In addition, we investigated the association of the polymorphisms with the clinical variables of the disease. Two hundred and three patients with paranoid schizophrenia and 243 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Polymorphisms of HSPA1A, -1B, and -1L genes were genotyped using the PCR-RFLP technique. Analyses were conducted in entire groups and in subgroups that were stratified according to gender. There were significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of HSPA1A polymorphism between the patients and controls. The +190CC genotype and +190C allele were over-represented in the patients and significantly increased the risk for developing schizophrenia (OR = 3.45 and OR = 1.61, respectively). Interestingly, such a risk was higher for females with the +190CC genotype than for males with the +190CC genotype (OR = 5.78 vs. OR = 2.76). We also identified the CGT haplotype as a risk haplotype for schizophrenia and demonstrated the effects of HSPA1A and HSPA1B genotypes on the psychopathology and age of onset. Our study provided the first evidence that the HSPA1A polymorphism may potentially increase the risk of developing paranoid schizophrenia. Further independent analyses in different populations to evaluate the role of gender are needed to replicate these results.

Association of interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and TNF-alpha (TNFα) gene polymorphisms with paranoid schizophrenia in a Polish population

Numerous reports have brought attention to the potential role of cytokines in schizophrenia. The aim of the study was to determine whether polymorphisms of IL-2, IL-6, and TNFα genes are risk factors for development of paranoid schizophrenia in a Polish population. Promoter polymorphisms of IL-6 (rs1800795), TNFα (rs1800629), and IL-2 (rs2069762) genes in patients (N=115) and controls (N=135) were genotyped by PCR-RFLP and AS-PCR methods, respectively. Genotype TT and allele T for IL-2 polymorphism, and genotype AA and allele A for TNFα polymorphism were found to be significantly associated with paranoid schizophrenia. Similarly, haplotypes CTA and GTA increased the risk (4.4 times and 5.9 times, respectively) of schizophrenia. To reveal associations between Positive and Negative Symptom Scale subscales and age at onset of schizophrenia, the authors used a novel method called Grade Correspondence Analysis. This analysis revealed that patients with early age at onset have higher scores on the Negative and General subscales of PANSS, and, in that group of patients, haplotype CTA was the most represented. As far as is known, this analysis was used for the first time with reference to genetic data.

BDNF val66met polymorphism is associated with age at onset and intensity of symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia in a Polish population

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the candidate genes for schizophrenia. There is evidence that val66met polymorphism may be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The authors genotyped val66met (rs6265) polymorphism of the BDNF gene in 208 inpatients with paranoid schizophrenia and 254 control subjects in a Polish population. There was no association between val66met polymorphism and development of paranoid schizophrenia in either men or women. However, an association was found between this polymorphism and age at onset and psychopathology of paranoid schizophrenia. Men with the val/met genotype had an earlier age at onset, and the val/val genotype predisposed to more severe symptoms, particularly on the General Psychopathology Scale of the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS-G). The analysis of PANSS single items has shown that patients with the val/met genotype had higher scores on a hallucinatory behavior item than those with other genotypes.

Age-and sex-dependent mRNA expression of KCNQ1 and HERG in patients with long QT syndrome type 1 and 2

INTRODUCTION

The main goal of this study was to examine the patient age and sex dependent expression of KCNQ1 and HERG genes that encode potassium channels responsible for the occurrence of long QT syndrome (LQTS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study enrolled 43 families whose members suffered from LQTS type 1 (LQTS1) or 2 (LQTS2) or were healthy. The study attempted to prove that β-actin is a good endogenous control when determining the expression of the studied genes. Examination of gene expression was achieved with quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR). Expression of the investigated genes was inferred from the analysis of the number of mRNA copies per 1 μg total RNA isolated from whole blood.

RESULTS

Significantly lower KCNQ1 and KCNH2 mRNA levels in healthy females than healthy males were observed (p = 0.032; p = 0.02). In male patients both transcripts were expressed at a lower level (p = 0.0084; p = 0.035). The comparison of transcriptional activity of KCNQ1 and KCNH2 in healthy adults and children revealed higher KCNQ1 and lower KCNH2 mRNA levels in healthy adults (p = 0.033; p = 0.04), higher KCNQ1 and lower KCNH2 mRNA levels in adult patients below 55 years old than in adults over 55 years old (p=0.036; p = 0.044), and significantly higher KCNQ1 and lower KCNH2 mRNA levels in adult patients (over 55 years) than in paediatric patients (below 15 years) (p=0.047; p = 0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

The results support the hypothesis that KCNQ1 and HERG gene expression is influenced by age and gender in human patients with long QT syndrome and in healthy subjects.

Interleukin-1beta promoter (-31T/C and -511C/T) polymorphisms in major recurrent depression

To elucidate a genetic predisposition to major depressive disorder, we investigated two polymorphisms (−31T/C and −511C/T) in the interleukin-1beta promoter region in patients who suffered from major recurrent depression. The aim of the current work was to compare alleles and genotype layout between patients with major recurrent depression and healthy people. We would like to indicate such combination of genotypes which corresponds with major recurrent depression. Correlations between genotypes for analyzed polymorphisms and number of episodes, number of points in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and age of onset were investigated as well. The study group consisted of 94 patients diagnosed with major recurrent depression. The control group included 206 healthy individuals. Both groups involved representatives of Caucasian population. Genotyping of polymorphisms was performed by using PCR-RFLP technique. A specific haplotype, composed of the C allele at −31 and the T allele at −511, has a tendency to have a statistically significant difference (p = 0.064) between patients and control group. Correspondence analysis revealed that genotype T/T at −31 and genotype C/C at −511 are associated with major recurrent depression. No association was found between genotypes for studied polymorphic sites and number of episodes, number of points in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and age of onset.

Expression of genes KCNQ1 and HERG encoding potassium ion channels Ikr, Iks in long QT syndrome

BACKGROUND

The KCNQ1 and HERG genes mutations are responsible for specific types of congenital long QT syndrome (LQT).

AIM

To examine the expression of KCNQ1 and HERG genes that encode potassium channels (rapid and slow) responsible for the occurrence of particular types of LQT syndrome. The study also attempted to prove that beta-actin is a good endogenous control when determining the expression of the studied genes.

METHODS

The study enrolled six families whose members suffered from either LQT1 or LQT2, or were healthy. Examination of gene expression was achieved with quantitative PCR (QRT-PCR). Expression of the investigated genes was inferred from the analysis of the number of mRNA copies per 1 mg total RNA isolated from whole blood. On the basis of KCNQ1 gene expression profile, the presence of, or absence of, LQT1 could be confirmed.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.031) between the number of KCNQ1 gene copies in patients and healthy controls. On the basis of HERG (KCNH2) gene expression profile, patients with LQT2 cannot be unequivocally differentiated from healthy subjects (p = 0.37).

Coexpression index of estrogen receptor alpha mRNA isoforms in simple, complex hyperplasia without atypia, complex atypical hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Estrogen receptor isoforms are postulated to play an important role in modulating the estrogen response. To clarify the molecular mechanisms through which malignant changes are activated in endometrium, this study aims to examine the expression profiles of wild-type ER-alpha and their splice variants and to assess the number of coexisting mRNA isoforms of ER-alpha in normal endometrium as well as in endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

Human endometrium and specimens including endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer were obtained during surgery. Endometrial data were classified into four groups: simple hyperplasia (n=24), complex hyperplasia (n=15), atypical hyperplasia (n=11), endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma (n=19) (grade 1, grade 2 morphological degree) and proliferative endometrium (n=24) as a control group. Total cellular RNA was extracted from endometrial tissues using Total RNA Prep Plus. A real-time quantitative RT-PCR assay was developed to quantify the wild-type ER-alpha and ER-alpha mRNA isoforms copy numbers. We have evaluated the variation in ERs mRNA level between normal endometrium and endometrial hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma. We also evaluated the "sharing indicator". It is a factor of mRNA ER-alpha holding shares in whole mRNA it assume quotient of ER-alpha slicing variant to all variants of mRNA ER-alpha.

RESULTS

It was found that the number of coexisting mRNA isoforms was significantly higher in adenocarcinoma endometrium than that evaluated for various degrees of hyperplasia endometrium and normal proliferative endometrium (p<0.05, the Kruskal-Wallis test).

CONCLUSION

The risk for progression of endometrial hyperplasia to atypical hyperplasia and eventually endometrioid adenocarcinoma may be accompanied by an increase in the number of alternative splicing variants of mRNA ER-alpha.

Human telomerase RNA as endogenous control in endometrial tissue

Telomerase is a reverse transcriptase that adds repetitive telomere sequences to the end of chromosomes, which is thought to be essential for cellular immortality and oncogenesis. The enzyme consists of three subunits: human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), human telomerase RNA (hTR), and telomerase protein 1 (TP1). The hTERT subunit determines the activity of telomerase as an enzyme and is detected in most human tumors and regenerative cells. But many studies have revealed that hTR and TP1 are expressed constitutively. This results suggest that the hTR and TP1 subunits may be potentially good markers of endogenous RNA control. Endometrial dating was determined from the pathomorphology of the endometrium and classified into normal proliferative endometrium, endometrial hyperplasia (simple, complex, and atypical), and endometrial adenocarcinoma. The analysis of the expression of the hTERT, TP1, and hTR telomerase subunits was performed by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction method, based on fluorescent TaqMan methodology (ABI Prism 7,700 Sequence Detection System) capable of measuring fluorescence in real time. The aim of the study was an analysis of the expression profiles of genes encoding hTR and TP1 telomerase subunits in normal endometrium, endometrial hyperplasia, and adenocarcinoma for the estimation of the possibility of once application in endogenous RNA control of gene analysis in the endometrium. The nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test and analysis of variance Friedman test were used to evaluate the variation in telomerase subunit mRNA level between normal endometrium, and endometrial hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma. The results confirm the hTR subunit expression as a good marker of endogenous control in quantitative analysis of gene transcription in endometrial tissue. TP1 subunit transcriptions have not been detected constitutively in our study.

Expression of cell survival/death genes: Bcl-2 and Bax at the rate of colon cancer prognosis

The rate of tumour growth is dependent on the balance between proliferation and apoptosis at all stages of carcinogenesis. Apoptosis inhibition, in turn, depends partly on the balance between expression of two cell death regulatory genes, Bcl-2 and Bax. Colon cancer has long been associated with disturbances in apoptosis regulation. The aim of our study was to determine the expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax mRNAs in 1 microg sample of total RNA obtained from normal colon and colon adenocarcinoma. This study was intended to evaluate possible differences in Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA levels at particular stages of colon adenocarcinoma classified according to Duke's system. The apoptotic frequency (represented by Bax mRNA copy number) was inversely proportional to the decrease of Bcl-2 gene expression. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) was performed to confirm apoptosis.

Human telomerase RNA as endogenous control in endometrial tissue

Telomerase is a reverse transcriptase that adds repetitive telomere sequences to the end of chromosomes, which is thought to be essential for cellular immortality and oncogenesis. The enzyme consists of three subunits: human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), human telomerase RNA (hTR), and telomerase protein 1 (TP1). The hTERT subunit determines the activity of telomerase as an enzyme and is detected in most human tumors and regenerative cells. But many studies have revealed that hTR and TP1 are expressed constitutively. This resuts suggest that the hTR and TP1 subunits may be potentially good markers of endogenous RNA control. Endometrial dating was determined from the pathomorphology of the endometrium and classified into normal proliferative endometrium, endometrial hyperplasia (simple, complex, and atypical), and endometrial adenocarcinoma. The analysis of the expression of the hTERT, TP1, and hTR telomerase subunits was performed by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction method, based on fluorescent TaqMan methodology (ABI Prism 7 700 Sequence Detection System) capable of measuring fluorescence in real time. The aim of the study was an analysis of the expression profiles of genes encoding hTR and TP1 telomerase subunits in normal endometrium, endometrial hyperplasia, and adenocarcinoma forthe estimation of the possibility of once application in endogenous RNA control of gene analysis in the endometrium. The nonparametric Mann–Whitney U test and analysis of variance Friedman test were used to evaluate the variation in telomerase subunit mRNA level between normal endometrium, and endometrial hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma. The results confirm the hTR subunit expression as a good marker of endogenous control in quantitative analysis of gene transcription in endometrial tissue. TP1 subunit transcriptions have not been detected constitutively in our study.